PHOTO: SPLASH NEWS

After years, and years … and years of delays and setbacks, R Kelly’s trial date has been set for May 9, 2008. The trial had previously been scheduled for September 17, 2007 but was postponed early that month because the lead prosecutor had recently given birth.

Kelly also avoided having his bond revoked Friday morning. According to MTV News, Cook County Judge Vincent Gaughan had threatened to do so after scolding the singer for missing a hearing on Wednesday after his tour bus was stopped in Utah for a speeding infraction. An arrest warrant had been issued for the R&B singer, who avoided going to jail when he showed for a 9 A.M. court date on Thursday, but Gaughan threatened to revoke the bond anyway. Such a lucky guy.

Also on Friday, Gaughan considered forcing Kelly to call off his U.S. tour but didn’t follow through with the punishment. Gaughan said he decided on leniency because of the “unintended consequences” of canceling such an event, including disappointing fans and a loss of income for venue workers. This dude must be giving Lady Luck “the business!”

I wonder what’s gonna happen when May hits. I’ve already accepted the fact that this fool isn’t gonna see any jail time anytime soon, but you never know. Your thoughts?